Targeted delivery of MerTK protein via cell membrane engineered nanoparticle enhances efferocytosis and attenuates atherosclerosis in diabetic ApoE-/- Mice

BACKGROUND

Clearance of apoptotic cells by efferocytosis is crucial for prevention of atherosclerosis progress, and impaired efferocytosis contributes to the aggravated atherosclerosis.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that diabetic ApoE-/- mice showed aggravated atherosclerosis as hyperglycemia damaged the efferocytosis capacity at least partially due to decreased expression of Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) on macrophages. To locally restore MerTK in the macrophages in the plaque, hybrid membrane nanovesicles (HMNVs) were thus developed. Briefly, cell membrane from MerTK overexpressing RAW264.7 cell and transferrin receptor (TfR) overexpressing HEK293T cell were mixed with DOPE polymers to produce nanovesicles designated as HMNVs. HMNVs could fuse with the recipient cell membrane and thus increased MerTK in diabetic macrophages, which in turn restored the efferocytosis capacity. Upon intravenous administration into diabetic ApoE-/- mice, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SMN) decorated HMNVs accumulated at the aorta site significantly under magnetic navigation, where the recipient macrophages cleared the apoptotic cells efficiently and thus decreased the inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

 Our study indicates that MerTK decrease in macrophages contributes to the aggravated atherosclerosis in diabetic ApoE-/- mice and regional restoration of MerTK in macrophages of the plaque via HMNVs could be a promising therapeutic approach.

Hybrid Membrane Composed of Nickel Diselenide Nanosheets with Carbon Nanotubes for Catalytic Conversion of Polysulfides in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries demonstrate enormous energy density are promising forms of energy storage. Unfortunately, the slow redox kinetics and polysulfides shuttle effect are some of the factors that prevent the its development. To address these issues, the hybrid membrane with combination of nickel diselenide nanosheets modified carbon nanotubes (NSN@CNTs) and utilized Li2 S6 catholyte for lithium sulfur battery. The conductive CNTs facilitates fast electronic/ionic transport, while the polarity of NSN as a strong affinity to lithium polysulfides, effectively anchoring them, facilitating the redox conversion of polysulfide species, and effectively diminishing reaction barriers. The cell with NSN@CNTs delivers the first discharge capacity of 1123.8 mAh g-1 and maintains 786.5 mAh g-1 after 300 cycles (0.2 C) at the sulfur loading 5.4 mg. Its rate capability is commendable, enabling it to sustain a capacity of 559.8 mAh g-1 even at a high discharge rate of 2 C. In addition, its initial discharge capacity can remain 8.33 mAh even at 10.8 mg for duration of 100 cycles. This research indicates the potential application of NSN@CNTs hybrid materials in lithium-sulfur batteries.

Constructing green superhydrophilic and superoleophobic COFs-MOFs hybrid-based membrane for efficiently emulsion separation and synchronous removal of microplastics, dyes, and pesticides

Oil spills and micropollutants have become thorny environmental issues, posing serious threat to ecosystem and human health. To settle such dilemma, this study successfully constructed a robust and environmentally-friendly MOFs-COFs hybrid-based membrane (FS-50/COF(MATPA)-MOF(Zr)/PDA@PVDF) for the first time through solution synthesis and solvothermal method, combined with surface modification of FS-50 molecule. Importantly, we employed a simple two-step strategy to obtain the high-aspect-ratio MOFs fibers: (1) solvent regulation to generate smaller needle-like whiskers during the in-situ growth of MOFs on COFs; (2) high pressure induced directional crystallization in filtration process. The introduction of polydopamine (PDA) greatly improved the adhesion between coating and PVDF membrane. The in-situ growth of high length-diameter ratio MOFs fibers on blocky COFs greatly enhanced the specific surface area of MOFs-COFs hybrid, thus provided sufficient absorption sites. The functional groups of FS-50 endowed the hybrid membrane with superhydrophilicity and superoleophobicity, which facilitated to selectively penetrate water molecules and repel non-polar pollutants. The separation efficiency and decontamination mechanism of hybrid membrane to the simulated oily wastewater (containing various MPs, dyes, and pesticides) were investigated through experiments and theoretical calculations. The hybrid membrane could selectively and synchronously adsorb various dyes (20 mg/L-120 mg/L, almost 100% removal) and pesticides (10 mg/L for DIF and TET, adsorption rates 93.2% and 90.9%, respectively) from oil-water emulsion (50 mL). The large-scale coated sponge (6 cm × 4.5 cm × 3 cm) could quickly achieve separation of oil-water mixture (almost 100%) with a water permeability of more than 162 L m-2·h-1·bar-1, and simultaneously remove various MPs (PP-2000, PP-100, PE-2000, PS-100, 0.2 g/300 mL for each), Sudan Ⅲ (C0 = 200 mg/L), and DIF (C0 = 10 mg/L) from a simulant oily wastewater (300 mL), with the removal rates of almost 100% for MPs, 99.7% for Sudan Ⅲ, and 95.8% for DIF. Furthermore, we elucidated the removal mechanism of pesticide and dyes through simulating the theoretical adsorption energy and potential adsorption sites. The hybrid membrane not only provides a promising candidate for the removal of multiple pollutants from oil-water emulsion, but also opens a new strategy for achieving efficient and clean aquatic environment restoration.

A Twindrive Precise Delivery System of Platelet-Neutrophil Hybrid Membrane Regulates Macrophage Combined with CD47 Blocking for Postoperative Immunotherapy

During wound healing after cancer surgery, platelets, neutrophils, and macrophages accumulate at the wound site and induce important pathophysiological features. Utilizing these pathophysiological features, the development of targeted delivery systems for postoperative tumor immunotherapy is an important strategy. Herein, a twindrive precise delivery system of hybrid membrane combined with CD47 blocking is developed for targeted delivery and targeted regulation to induce postoperative immunotherapy. The precise delivery system consists of IR820-modified platelet-neutrophil hybrid membranes loaded with R848 nanoparticles. Based on the pathological characteristics of platelet aggregation and neutrophil tendency caused by the wound inflammatory microenvironment after tumor surgery, the twindrive delivery system could achieve targeted delivery and targeted regulation of immune drugs to tumor sites. After precise delivery guided by fluorescence imaging, R848 is targeted to reprogram M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages, stimulate dendritic cell maturation as an adjuvant, and then activate T cell immunity. R848 polarization and CD47 blockade together enhanced the phagocytosis function of macrophages, which combined with T cell-mediated cellular immune response to finally effectively inhibit postsurgical tumor recurrence, metastasis, and prolonged survival time. It develops a targeted delivery and regulatory system for cell-specific responses to the pathophysiological features of wound healing for postoperative immunotherapy.

Black phosphorus quantum dots camouflaged with platelet-osteosarcoma hybrid membrane and doxorubicin for combined therapy of osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor. However, single-agent chemotherapy exhibits limited efficacy against OS and often encounters tumor resistance. Therefore, we designed and constructed an integrated treatment strategy of photothermal therapy (PTT) combined with chemotherapy and used a surface-encapsulated platelet-osteosarcoma hybrid membrane (OPM) that enhances circulation time and enables OS-specific targeting.

RESULTS

The OPM functions as a shell structure, encapsulating multiple drug-loaded nanocores (BPQDs-DOX) and controlling the release rate of doxorubicin (DOX). Moreover, near-infrared light irradiation accelerates the release of DOX, thereby extending circulation time and enabling photostimulation-responsive release. The OPM encapsulation system improves the stability of BPQDs, enhances their photothermal conversion efficiency, and augments PTT efficacy. In vitro and ex vivo experiments demonstrate that BPQDs-DOX@OPM effectively delivers drugs to tumor sites with prolonged circulation time and specific targeting, resulting in superior anti-tumor activity compared to single-agent chemotherapy. Furthermore, these experiments confirm the favorable biosafety profile of BPQDs-DOX@OPM.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to single-agent chemotherapy, the combined therapy using BPQDs-DOX@OPM offers prolonged circulation time, targeted drug delivery, enhanced anti-tumor activity, and high biosafety, thereby introducing a novel approach for the clinical treatment of OS.

Erythrocyte-cancer hybrid membrane-coated reduction-sensitive nanoparticles for enhancing chemotherapy efficacy in breast cancer

Cell-membrane-coated biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted great attention due to their prolonged circulation time, immune escape mechanisms and homotypic targeting properties. Biomimetic nanosystems from different types of cell -membranes (CMs) can perform increasingly complex tasks in dynamic biological environments thanks to specific proteins and other properties inherited from the source cells. Herein, we coated doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded reduction-sensitive chitosan (CS) NPs with 4T1 cancer cell -membranes (CCMs), red blood cell -membranes (RBCMs) and hybrid erythrocyte-cancer membranes (RBC-4T1CMs) to enhance the delivery of DOX to breast cancer cells. The physicochemical properties (size, zeta potential and morphology) of the resulting RBC@DOX/CS-NPs, 4T1@DOX/CS-NPs and RBC-4T1@DOX/CS-NPs, as well as their cytotoxic effect and cellular NP uptake in vitro were thoroughly characterized. The anti-cancer therapeutic efficacy of the NPs was evaluated using the orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer model in vivo. The experimental results showed that DOX/CS-NPs had a DOX-loading capacity of 71.76 ± 0.87 %, and that coating of DOX/CS-NPs with 4T1CM significantly increased the NP uptake and cytotoxic effect in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, by optimizing the ratio of RBCMs:4T1CMs, it was possible to increase the homotypic targeting properties towards breast cancer cells. Moreover, in vivo tumor studies showed that compared to control DOX/CS-NPs and free DOX, both 4T1@DOX/CS-NPs and RBC@DOX/CS-NPs significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis. However, the effect of 4T1@DOX/CS-NPs was more prominent. Moreover, CM-coating reduced the uptake of NPs by macrophages and led to rapid clearance from the liver and lungs in vivo, compared to control NPs. Our results suggest that specific self-recognition to source cells resulting in homotypic targeting increased the uptake and the cytotoxic capacity of 4T1@DOX/CS-NPs by breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, tumor-disguised CM-coated DOX/CS-NPs exhibited tumor homotypic targeting and anti-cancer properties, and were superior over targeting with RBC-CM or RBC-4T1 hybrid membranes, suggesting that the presence of 4T1-CM is critical for treatment outcome.

Biomimetic oxygen-boosted hybrid membrane nanovesicles as the treatment strategy for ischemic stroke with the concept of the neurovascular unit

The pathogenesis of ischemic cerebrovascular disease has revealed that ischemic stroke often leads to deprivation of oxygen, blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and enhanced inflammatory activation, eventually causing severe brain tissue damage. Herein, we prepared hybrid membrane nanovesicles (YC-1@[RBC-PL] NVs) composed of red blood cell (RBC) membrane and platelet (PL) membrane encapsulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) inhibitor YC-1 for contributing to the protection of the neurovascular unit (NVU) in ischemic stroke. YC-1@[RBC-PL] NVs targeted the ischemic brain by the thrombus targeting properties of PL membrane and relieved the hypoxia inside ischemic brain in the presence of YC-1 and catalase in YC-1@[RBC-PL] NVs. Finally, YC-1@[RBC-PL] NVs attenuated ischemic injury to NVU by reducing infarct volume, preserving BBB integrity, and blocking activation of astrocyte and microglia in a middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model.

Homogeneous hybrid droplet interface bilayers assembled from binary mixtures of DPhPC phospholipids and PB-b-PEO diblock copolymers

Hybrid membranes built from phospholipids and amphiphilic block copolymers seek to capitalize on the benefits of both constituents for constructing biomimetic interfaces with improved performance. However, hybrid membranes have not been formed or studied using the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) method, an approach that offers advantages for revealing nanoscale changes in membrane structure and mechanics and offers a path toward assembling higher-order tissues. We report on hybrid droplet interface bilayers (hDIBs) formed in hexadecane from binary mixtures of synthetic diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPhPC) lipids and low molecular weight 1,2 polybutadiene-b-polyethylene oxide (PBPEO) amphiphilic block copolymers and use electrophysiology measurements and imaging to assess the effects of PBPEO in the membrane. This work reveals that hDIBs containing up to 15 mol% PBPEO plus DPhPC are homogeneously mixtures of lipids and polymers, remain highly resistive to ion transport, and are stable-including under applied voltage. Moreover, they exhibit hydrophobic thicknesses similar to DPhPC-only bilayers, but also have significantly lower values of membrane tension. These characteristics coincide with reduced energy of adhesion between droplets and the formation of alamethicin ion channels at significantly lower threshold voltages, demonstrating that even moderate amounts of amphiphilic block copolymers in a lipid bilayer provide a route for tuning the physical properties of a biomimetic membrane.

Multifunctional nanoparticles of sinomenine hydrochloride for treat-to-target therapy of rheumatoid arthritis via modulation of proinflammatory cytokines

Sinomenine is a bioactive alkaloid isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant of Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd.et Wils. Currently, sinomenine hydrochloride (SIN) preparations, classified as a natural disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (nDMARD), have been used for therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the efficacy of SIN was seriously limited by its short half-life, low bioavailability, and dose-dependent adverse reactions. In this study, a biomimetic nanocomplex based on Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB NPs) was developed for overcoming clinical limitations of SIN and accordingly improving its efficacy. In vitro studies showed that the nanocomplexes significantly inhibited abnormal proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. In vivo imaging demonstrated that the improved immune-escape properties of the nanocomplexes resulted in markedly increased half-life of circulation and levels of accumulated drugs at arthritic sites of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats. Notably, the nanocomplexes significantly suppressed joint inflammation and protected against bone destruction of AIA rats by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine secretion of the synovial macrophages and FLSs. These results indicate that the nanocomplexes provide an excellent carrier for controlled release and targeted accumulation of SIN within the arthritic sites, which consequently achieve disease-remitting effects of SIN on RA.

Bone-targeted erythrocyte-cancer hybrid membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles for enhancing photothermal and hypoxia-activated chemotherapy of bone invasion by OSCC

Background

Jaw bones are the most common organs to be invaded by oral malignancies, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), because of their special anatomical relationship. Various serious complications, such as pathological fractures and bone pain can significantly decrease the quality of life or even survival outcomes for a patient. Although chemotherapy is a promising strategy for bone invasion treatment, its clinical applications are limited by the lack of tumor-specific targeting and poor permeability in bone tissue. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a smart bone and cancer dual targeting drug delivery platform.

Results

We designed a dual targeting nano-biomimetic drug delivery vehicle Asp8[H40-TPZ/IR780@(RBC-H)] that has excellent bone and cancer targeting as well as immune escape abilities to treat malignancies in jaw bones. These nanoparticles were camouflaged with a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma WSU-HN6 cell (H) and red blood cell (RBC) hybrid membrane, which were modified by an oligopeptide of eight aspartate acid (Asp8). The spherical morphology and typical core-shell structure of biomimetic nanoparticles were observed by transmission electron microscopy. These nanoparticles exhibited the same surface proteins as those of WSU-HN6 and RBC. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed a greater uptake of the biomimetic nanoparticles when compared to bare H40-PEG nanoparticles. Biodistribution of the nanoparticles in vivo revealed that they were mainly localized in the area of bone invasion by WSU-HN6 cells. Moreover, the Asp8[H40-TPZ/IR780@(RBC-H)] nanoparticles exhibited effective cancer growth inhibition properties when compared to other TPZ or IR780 formulations.

Conclusions

Asp8[H40-TPZ/IR780@(RBC-H)] has bone targeting, tumor-homing and immune escape abilities, therefore, it is an efficient multi-targeting drug delivery platform for achieving precise anti-cancer therapy during bone invasion.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-01088-9.

A review on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) based hybrid membranes for water and wastewater treatment

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has gained enormous attention for water and wastewater treatment. Compared with g-C₃N₄ nanopowders, g-C₃N₄ based hybrid membranes have demonstrated great potential for its superior practicability. This review outlines the preparation and characterization of g-C₃N₄ based hybrid membranes and presents their representative applications in water and wastewater treatment (e.g., removal of organic dyes, phenolic compounds, pharmaceuticals, salt ions, heavy metals, and oils). Meanwhile, g-C₃N₄ based films for the removal of contaminants through photocatalytic degradation is also summarized. In addition, the corresponding mechanisms and relevant findings are discussed. Finally, the challenges and research needs in the future and application of g-C₃N₄ based hybrid membranes are highlighted.

Hybrid membranes for the production of blood contacting surfaces: physicochemical, structural and biomechanical characterization

Background

Due to the shortage of organs’ donors that limits biological heart transplantations, mechanical circulatory supports can be implanted in case of refractory end-stage heart failure to replace partially (Ventricular Assist Device, VAD) or completely (Total Artificial Heart, TAH) the cardiac function. The hemocompatibility of mechanical circulatory supports is a fundamental issue that has not yet been fully matched; it mostly depends on the nature of blood-contacting surfaces.

Methods

In order to obtain hemocompatible materials, a pool of hybrid membranes was fabricated by coupling a synthetic polymer (polycarbonate urethane, commercially available in two formulations) with a decellularized biological tissue (porcine pericardium). To test their potential suitability as candidate materials for realizing the blood-contacting surfaces of a novel artificial heart, hybrid membranes have been preliminarily characterized in terms of physicochemical, structural and mechanical properties.

Results

Our results ascertained that the hybrid membranes are properly stratified, thus allowing to expose their biological side to blood and their polymeric surface to the actuation system of the intended device. From the biomechanical point of view, the hybrid membranes can withstand deformations up to more than 70 % and stresses up to around 8 MPa.

Conclusions

The hybrid membranes are suitable for the construction of the ventricular chambers of innovative mechanical circulatory support devices.

Porous N-doped carbon nanofibers assembled with nickel ferrite nanoparticles as efficient chemical anchors and polysulfide conversion catalyst for lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are deemed to have great prospects in the next generation advanced energy storage systems and have been considered in recent years. However, the majority of substrates with both high electronic conductivity and full coverage of adsorption-catalysis synergy are difficult to achieve. Herein, nitrogen functionalized porous carbon nanofibers assembled with nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NFO/NCFs) are successfully prepared by electrospinning combined with hydrothermal treatment, which were applied to current collector containing Li₂S₆ catholyte and binder-free for Li-S batteries. With its abundant active sites, the NFO/NCFs have a vital role in the adsorption and catalysis of the polysulfides, which further accelerate the redox kinetics. Consequently, Li₂S₆ catholyte impregnated NFO/NCFs electrode (sulfur loading: 5.09 mg cm^-2) exhibits the first discharge capacity of 997 mAh g^-1 and maintains at 637 mAh g^-1 after 350 cycles at 0.2C, which is superior cycling performance than NCFs. Even at 10.2 mg cm^-2 sulfur loading, the composite electrode shows a high area capacity of 8.35 mAh cm^-2 at 0.1C and retains 6.01 mAh cm^-2 after 150 cycles. The results suggest the multifunction NFO/NCFs that anchor effectively and catalysis are beneficial to realize the goal of the large-scale application for Li-S batteries.

Improving hydraulic permeability, mechanical properties, and chemical functionality of cellulose acetate-based membranes by co-polymerization with tetraethyl orthosilicate and 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane

Composite cellulose acetate (CA) membranes are widely used but their multiphase nature results in additive losses, poor mechanical strength, low chemical resistance and thermal stability, limiting their separation/purification yields. To overcome this, we fabricated monophasic hybrid membranes using a modified phase inversion technique, where tetraethylorthosilicate and 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane were added to the CA casting solution. The resulting co-polymerization between CA, silanols and amine-functionalized silica groups, through sol-gel chemistry, was proved by ATR-FTIR (1118 cm^-1, ν(SiOC)). The presence of propyl-amine groups increases the hydraulic permeability (3×), the rupture elongation (×1.5), and decreases the Young modulus (×1/2), due to the disruption of the CA-silica 3D network. For high propyl-amine contents this behaviour is reversed due to intensive cross-linking between CA-silica chains (decrease in 903 cm^-1, ν(CH₃COOC-)). The addition of silica- and amine-based structures to the CA framework increases the system degrees of freedom, opening the door to the design of new CA membranes.

Covalent organic frameworks embedded membrane via acetic-acid-catalyzed interfacial polymerization for dyes separation: Enhanced permeability and selectivity

With the increasing demand of high water-quality, membrane filtration technologies are playing further important roles in water treatment owing to their small footprints, reduced use of chemicals and stable performances. However, the inherent permeability-selectivity trade-off is still a significant obstacle restricting the broad applications of membrane separation. Hydrophilic modification via doping nanoparticles into membranes is considered an effective solution to improve the permeability while maintaining selectivity. However, agglomeration of nanoparticles often results in inhomogeneity of the modified membranes. In this study, hybrid membranes with separated covalent organic framework (COF) particles that were uniformly embedded in the membrane surface pores were firstly fabricated via acetic-acid-catalyzed in situ synthesis. Owing to the ample hydrophilic chemical groups and tunable molecular transport channels in COFs, the modified membranes yielded almost twice higher water flux (about 200 L m^-2·h^-1·bar) than the pristine membranes with simultaneously enhanced rejection of water pollutants (i.e., dyes). In addition, the pure organic structure of COF improves the polymer-filler interaction of the mixed film, thereby reducing the risk of leakage. Therefore, the hybrid membranes also exhibited relatively high stability in long-term operations and different pH conditions, which makes them promising candidates in future membrane applications.

Preparation of PVDF/CdS/Bi2WO6/ZnO hybrid membrane with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity for degrading nitrite in water

In this work, a visible light-driven ternary heterojunction photocatalyst, CdS/Bi₂WO₆/ZnO, was synthesized using hydrothermal, ultrasonic dispersion, and deposition precipitation methods. The results show that photocatalysts with flower-like heterostructures were obtained, which could efficiently separate electron-hole pairs, and the photocatalytic activity was thereby significantly enhanced. Furthermore, CdS/Bi₂WO₆/ZnO and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were used to fabricate hybrid membranes via a phase-conversion method. The samples were characterized using SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, DRS, XPS, PL, and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms, and the transient photocurrent response. The photocatalytic activity of the hybrid membrane was evaluated, and 92.58% of the nitrite was converted into non-toxic substances within 4 h under simulated sunlight irradiation. This result indicated that the photocatalyst exhibited a good photocatalytic activity after immobilization. The possible mechanism was elucidated by studying the product during the photocatalytic degradation, and the effects of different pH values, electron scavengers, and hole scavengers on the photocatalytic performance were further investigated.

Macrophage-cancer hybrid membrane-coated nanoparticles for targeting lung metastasis in breast cancer therapy

Cell membrane- covered drug-delivery nanoplatforms have been garnering attention because of their enhanced bio-interfacing capabilities that originate from source cells. In this top-down technique, nanoparticles (NPs) are covered by various membrane coatings, including membranes from specialized cells or hybrid membranes that combine the capacities of different types of cell membranes. Here, hybrid membrane-coated doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs (DPLGA@[RAW-4T1] NPs) were fabricated by fusing membrane components derived from RAW264.7(RAW) and 4T1 cells (4T1). These NPs were used to treat lung metastases originating from breast cancer. This study indicates that the coupling of NPs with a hybrid membrane derived from macrophage and cancer cells has several advantages, such as the tendency to accumulate at sites of inflammation, ability to target specific metastasis, homogenous tumor targeting abilities in vitro, and markedly enhanced multi-target capability in a lung metastasis model in vivo. The DPLGA@[RAW-4T1] NPs exhibited excellent chemotherapeutic potential with approximately 88.9% anti-metastasis efficacy following treatment of breast cancer-derived lung metastases. These NPs were robust and displayed the multi-targeting abilities of hybrid membranes. This study provides a promising biomimetic nanoplatform for effective treatment of breast cancer metastasis.

Multifunctional PVDF/CNT/GO mixed matrix membranes for ultrafiltration and fouling detection

Membrane fouling can be effectively addressed by modifying the membrane to realize anti-fouling capability together with real-time fouling detection. Here, we present the synthesis and water treatment testing of a promising candidate for this application, a composite membrane of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and functionalized carbon nano-materials prepared by a facile phase inversion method. The synergistic effect of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (OMWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) enabled better surface pore structures, higher surface roughness, hydrophilicity, and better antifouling property as compared with that of pristine PVDF membranes. The PVDF/OMWCNT/GO mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) achieved a high water flux of 125.6 L m^-2 h^-1 with high pollutant rejection rate, and their electrical conductivity of 2.11 × 10^-4 S cm^-1 at 100 kHz was sensitive to the amount of pollutant uptake. By using hybrid MMMs, we demonstrate simultaneous pollutant filtering and uptake monitoring, which is an important step in revolutionizing the water treatment industry.

Fabrication and characterization of PVA/NNSA/GLA/nano-silica proton conducting composite membranes for DMFC applications

Blends of PVA and 2-nitroso-1-naphtol-4-sulfonic acid (NNSA) ranging from 10 to 40 wt% were crosslinked in the presence of glutaraldehyde (GLA) to produce hybrid membranes. The structure and morphology of the hybrid membranes were studied by XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, and elemental mapping experiments. The mechanical performance and thermal stability of the membranes were also examined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), respectively. Increasing the concentration of NNSA resulted in the improvement of mechanical and thermal performances of the membrane. The addition of NNSA and SiO₂ to the solution of PVA makes the resultant hybrid membrane more hydrophilic, and therefore, the proton conductivity, water uptake and ion exchange capacity (IEC) improved. The highest proton conductivity value (0.18 S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C) was found for the PVA/GLA/NNSA (40 wt%)/SiO₂ (5 wt%) composite membrane. It was also demonstrated that the methanol permeability values decreased with increasing NNSA content.

A Review on the Progress in Nanoparticle/C Hybrid CMS Membranes for Gas Separation

Carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes are novel materials derived from the pyrolysis of the polymeric precursors and have a well-developed ultra-microporous structure that can separate small gas pairs with minor difference in diameter, and thus exhibit higher gas permeability and selectivity than polymeric membranes. However, the gas permeability for traditional pure CMS membranes now cannot satisfy the requirements of commercial applications due to their disordered pore structure and high gas molecular diffusion resistance. Incorporating functional materials into membrane precursors to fabricate hybrid CMS membranes has been regarded as an effective way to tune the disordered pore structure of traditional pure CMS membranes, and thus to greatly improve their gas permeability. Many nanoparticles have been tested as the functional foreign materials to fabricate the hybrid CMS membranes with more developed microporous structure and enhanced gas separation performance. This review discusses the hybridized nanoparticle selection and effect of the species, quantities and particle sizes of the foreign materials on CMS membrane characteristics and performance. The function of the materials incorporated inside the hybrid CMS membranes is also analyzed. It is identified that preparation of hybrid CMS membranes provides a simple and convenient route to efficiently improve the trade-off relationship between permeability and selectivity, and to enable the construction of carbon-based composite materials with novel functionalities in membrane science.

Protective therapeutic effects of peptide nanofiber and hyaluronic acid hybrid membrane in in vivo osteoarthritis model

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition where tissue function is lost through a combination of secondary inflammation and deterioration in articular cartilage. One of the most common causes of OA is age-related tissue impairment because of wear and tear due to mechanical erosion. Hyaluronic acid-based viscoelastic supplements have been widely used for the treatment of knee injuries. However, the current formulations of hyaluronic acid are unable to provide efficient healing and recovery. Here, a nanofiber-hyaluronic acid membrane system that was prepared by using a quarter of the concentration of commercially available hyaluronic acid supplement, Hyalgan®, was used for the treatment of an osteoarthritis model, and Synvisc®, which is another commercially available hyaluronic acid containing viscoelastic supplement, was used as a control. The results show that this system provides efficient protection of arthritic cartilage tissue through the preservation of cartilage morphology with reduced osteophyte formation, protection of the subchondral region from deterioration, and maintenance of cartilage specific matrix proteins in vivo. In addition, the hybrid nanofiber membrane enabled chondrocyte encapsulation and provided a suitable culturing environment for stem cell growth in vitro. Overall, our results suggest that this hybrid nanofibrous scaffold provides a potential platform the treatment of OA.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating joint disease affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs especially in knees due to aging, sport injuries or obesity. Although hyaluronic acid-based viscoelastic supplements are widely used, there is still no effective treatment method for osteoarthritis, which necessitates surgical operation as an only choice for severe cases. Therefore, there is an urgent need for efficient therapeutics. In this study, a nanofiber-HA membrane system was developed for the efficient protection of arthritic cartilage tissue from degeneration. This hybrid nanofiber system provided superior therapeutic activity at a relatively lower concentration of hyaluronic acid than Hyalgan® and Synvisc® gels, which are currently used in clinics. This work demonstrates for the first time that this hybrid nanofiber membrane scaffold can be utilized as a potential candidate for osteoarthritis treatment.

Structure of water in hybrid cellulose acetate-silica ultrafiltration membranes and permeation properties

Hybrid cellulose acetate (CA) silica (SiO₂) (CA/SiO₂) membranes were synthesized by promoting the in situ condensation between silanols from the SiO₂ precursor and the COH or acetate groups from the CA polymer. For all the CA/SiO₂ membranes, the ATR-FTIR peak assigned to (SiOC) proves the hybrid condensation reaction and confirms the synthesis of monophasic hybrid membranes. ATR-FTIR shows the presence of uncondensed highly reactive SiOH species, in membranes with silica contents higher than 20 mol%. Together with RMN studies, results show molecular water strongly hydrogen-bonded with SiOH groups, yielding a drastic decrease in the membrane hydraulic permeability, from 57 to 10 kg/h/m²/bar. The incorporation of 5 and 10 mol% of silica increased the hydraulic permeability from 32 to 82 kg/h/m²/bar when compared to the CA membrane.

Removal of heavy metals in wastewater by using zeolite nano-particles impregnated polysulfone membranes

In this study, the adsorption and the filtration processes were coupled by a zeolite nanoparticle impregnated polysulfone (PSf) membrane which was used to remove the lead and the nickel cations from synthetically prepared solutions. The results obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis indicated that the synthesized zeolite nanoparticles, using conventional hydrothermal method, produced a pure NaX with ultrafine and uniform particles. The performance of the hybrid membrane was determined under dynamic conditions. The results also revealed that the sorption capacity as well as the water hydraulic permeability of the membranes could both be improved by simply tuning the membrane fabricating conditions such as evaporation period of the casting film and NaX loading. The maximum sorption capacity of the hybrid membrane for the lead and nickel ions was measured as 682 and 122 mg/g respectively at the end of 60 min of filtration, under 1 bar of transmembrane pressure. The coupling process suggested that the membrane architecture could be efficiently used for treating metal solutions with low concentrations and transmembrane pressures.